Intelligent circuit control for solar panel systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for intelligent circuit control for solar panel systems. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining, by a controller, that a first electrical output of a first solar panel configured to charge a plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a second electrical output of a second solar panel configured to charge the plurality of rechargeable batteries, and causing the second solar panel to be disconnected from the plurality of rechargeable batteries. Example methods may include determining that a voltage potential of the plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a total output voltage, where the total output voltage is a sum of the first electrical output and the second electrical output, and causing a connection between the plurality of rechargeable batteries to be changed from a series connection to a parallel connection based at least in part on the first electrical output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/928,547, filed Jul. 14, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/861,717, filed Jan. 4, 2018 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,749,354, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/700,158, filed Sep. 10, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,017,056, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to solar panel systems, andmore particularly to intelligent circuit control for solar panelsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Electric vehicles may use batteries to power the vehicle. Specificbattery capacity and consumption rates may determine a range of drivingdistance for the electric vehicle. In addition, once batteries of theelectric vehicle are drained, charging the batteries for subsequent usemay be time consuming. Further, charging the batteries with highvoltages to reduce charging times may damage the batteries. Accordingly,electric vehicles that have increased driving distance ranges andbatteries that can be safely charged in short lengths of time may bedesired.

In addition, solar panel systems may be inefficient when charging powerreceptacles due to differences in electrical configuration of the powerreceptacles. As a result, energy generated by solar panels may be lostor uncaptured. More efficient systems of capturing energy generated bysolar panels may be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example electric vehicle with aremovable homopolar generator for increased driving distance and anexample process flow in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a removable homopolar generatorpositioned in an electric vehicle in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle control system andrelated hardware components in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a homopolar generator in an explodedview in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example process flow diagram for intelligent circuitcontrol for solar panel systems having multiple rechargeable batteriesin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example use case of a removable homopolargenerator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example use case of a removable homopolargenerator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example use case of a removable homopolargenerator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example use case of an intelligent circuit controlfor solar panel systems in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration onlyand merely depict example embodiments of the disclosure. The drawingsare provided to facilitate understanding of the disclosure and shall notbe deemed to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of thedisclosure. The use of the same reference numerals indicates similar,but not necessarily the same or identical components. Differentreference numerals may be used to identify similar components. Variousembodiments may utilize elements or components other than thoseillustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may notbe present in various embodiments. The use of singular terminology todescribe a component or element may, depending on the context, encompassa plural number of such components or elements and vice versa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Overview

Electric vehicles may use one or more rechargeable batteries to powerthe electric vehicle. For example, energy stored in batteries may beused to drive one or more motors and impart rotational motion to one ormore of the wheels of the vehicle. The batteries may drain over time,and may need to be recharged before subsequent usage. The range ofdriving distance of the electric vehicle may be based at least in parton the number and capacity of batteries used by the vehicle, as well asthe weight profile of the vehicle, size, and so forth. For example, anelectric vehicle with a relatively greater battery or energy storagecapacity may have a greater range or driving distance without rechargingthan an electric vehicle with relatively less battery or energy storage.In addition, the time to recharge batteries of the electric vehicle maybe time consuming and may reduce the usefulness of the electric vehicle.

Embodiments of the disclosure include electric vehicles that may haveincreased driving distances or ranges, as well as reduced chargingtimes. Some embodiments may include electric vehicles with removable orfixed homopolar generators that can be used to recharge original oradditional batteries of the electric vehicle. Certain embodiments mayinclude additional batteries, thereby increasing the total batterycapacity for the electric vehicle. The homopolar generators may be usedto charge or recharge one or more batteries of the vehicle while thevehicle is stationary or in motion, and may be able to charge thebatteries in a relatively short amount of time, compared to traditionalvehicle charging schemes, by managing a voltage output from thehomopolar generator and voltage input at the respective batteries.Certain embodiments may increase an amount of power available for use bythe electric vehicle by dynamically configuring the batteries in aseries connection or a parallel connection. Certain embodiments may alsoreduce charging times by charging the batteries in a parallelconnection.

This disclosure relates to, among other things, systems, methods,computer-readable media, techniques, and methodologies for intelligentcircuit control for solar panel systems, which may include multiplerechargeable batteries. In an example embodiment, an electric vehiclemay include at least one drive motor configured to impart motion to oneor more wheels of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may includea number of rechargeable batteries configured to power the at least onedrive motor, and a homopolar generator positioned within the electricvehicle and electrically coupled to the rechargeable batteries. Thehomopolar generator may be configured to generate current to charge theplurality of rechargeable batteries. The electric vehicle may includeone or more solid state relays electrically coupled between therechargeable batteries, and a controller configured to manage chargingof the rechargeable batteries.

As a result, embodiments of the disclosure may improve the drivingdistance or range of the electric vehicle by increasing battery capacityand charging during operation of the vehicle, decrease charging timesvia the homopolar generator and one or more solid state relays that candynamically switch from parallel to series connections and back, andimprove power output via one or more solid state relays.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example electric vehicle 100 with aremovable homopolar generator 110 for increased driving distance and anexample process flow is depicted in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. The electric vehicle 100 may be anysuitable electric or hybrid vehicle that is at least partially power bystored energy from, for example, one or more batteries.

The electric vehicle 100 may include a first set of batteries 120 and asecond set of batteries 130. The first set of batteries 120 may beaftermarket batteries or may be associated with the homopolar generator110. For example, the first set of batteries 120 may receive power orcurrent output from the homopolar generator 110. The second set ofbatteries 130 may be original equipment or batteries that are originallyprovided with the electric vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the firstset of batteries 120 may be positioned in a housing of the homopolargenerator 110, or may be positioned elsewhere within the electricvehicle 100. Either or both the first set of batteries 120 or the secondset of batteries 130 may be removable from the electric vehicle 100. Thefirst set of batteries 120 or the second set of batteries 130 may berechargeable batteries. For example, either or both the first set ofbatteries 120 or the second set of batteries 130 may be recharged by acharging system of the electric vehicle 100 or the homopolar generator110.

The first set of batteries 120 and the second set of batteries 130 maybe used to power the electric vehicle 100. For example, the electricvehicle 100 may include at least one drive motor 150 that is configuredto impart motion to one or more wheels 160 of the electric vehicle 100.The drive motor 150 may be positioned in an engine area 140 or elsewherewithin the electric vehicle 100.

The homopolar generator 110 may be a generator that is configured tooutput current and/or a specific voltage that charges one or morebatteries of the first set of batteries 120 or the second set ofbatteries 130. The homopolar generator 110 may be positioned within theelectric vehicle 100 and may be electrically coupled to the first set ofrechargeable batteries 120 in the example of FIG. 1. The homopolargenerator 110 may be configured to generate current to charge the firstset of rechargeable batteries 120.

The first set of rechargeable batteries 120 and the second set ofbatteries 130 may be used to power the electric vehicle 100. Forexample, in the process flow of FIG. 1, at a first operation 170 ahomopolar generator battery pack may be charged using the output of theelectric vehicle 100. The homopolar generator battery pack may be a partof the homopolar generator 110, and may be used to power a drive motoror other component of the homopolar generator 110. The homopolargenerator battery pack may be charged by one or more components of theelectric vehicle 100, such as the alternator, a regenerative brakingsystem, or another component.

At a second operation 172, the first set of batteries 120 may be causedto be in a parallel connection with the homopolar generator 110. Forexample, if the first set of batteries 120 includes a first battery anda second battery, the first battery and the second battery would both becaused to be in a parallel connection with respect to the homopolargenerator 110, as opposed to a series connection. The parallelconnection may be generated by an actuation device, a solid state relay,one or more MOSFETs, or other electrical or mechanical (orelectromechanical) components.

At a third operation 174, the homopolar generator 110 may be powered.For example, operation of the homopolar generator 110 may be initiatedby causing the homopolar generator battery pack to power a generatorcomponent or drive motor of the homopolar generator 110. The drive motormay cause one or more conductive discs to rotate about a shaft in thepresence of an electromagnetic field, causing a current to be generated.

At a fourth operation 176, the first set of batteries 120 may be chargedwith output from the homopolar generator 100. The current output fromthe homopolar generator 110 may be used to charge the batteries in thefirst set of batteries 120. Because the batteries in the first set ofbatteries 120 are in a parallel connection with respect to the homopolargenerator 110, the respective batteries in the first set of batteries120 may charge simultaneously, thereby reducing an overall charge time.In addition, the voltage output of the homopolar generator 110 maysubstantially match, or may be slightly higher than, the voltage levelsof the respective batteries, so as to bring the voltage level of therespective batteries up to a fully charged level. Because a differencein voltage between the output of the homopolar generator 110 and thecharge level of the batteries may be regulated, charging time of thebatteries may be reduced due to an increase in acceptance of the currentby the batteries 120 from the homopolar generator 110.

At a fifth operation 178, the first set of batteries 120 may be used inconjunction with the vehicle battery set, or the second set of batteries130, to power the vehicle. The first set of batteries 120 and the secondset of batteries 130 may be dynamically arranged in a series or parallelconfiguration during discharging, so as to provide additional power tothe electric vehicle 100 if needed, or to provide additional drivingdistance to the electric vehicle 100 if needed.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the removable homopolar generator 110of FIG. 1 positioned in the electric vehicle 100 in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2, thehomopolar generator 110 is positioned in a trunk space 200 of theelectric vehicle 100 and is detachable or otherwise removable from theelectric vehicle 100.

The homopolar generator 110 may include one or more components in ahousing. For example, the homopolar generator 110 may include a numberof frame elements 210 that may support one or more magnets aligned alonga shaft of the homopolar generator 110. The frame elements 210 may beplastic frame elements positioned to support magnets and/or conductiveelement portions of the homopolar generator 110. The frame elements 210may be rectangular or may have another geometry. A drive motor 220 maybe used to cause the shaft of the homopolar generator 110 to rotate. Oneor more conductive discs may be mounted to the shaft and may rotate withthe shaft. The conductive discs may generate a current in conjunctionwith the magnets positioned in a recessed portion of the respectiveframe elements 210. A copper component 230, or a semi-copper componentor other conductive material (e.g., copper and carbon blend, etc.), maybe used to transport current generated by the homopolar generator 110 toa power output component. The copper component 230 may extend along someof the exterior surfaces of the homopolar generator 110. A certainamount or volume of copper may be needed to transport the amount ofcurrent generated by the homopolar generator 110. Conductive plates 240may be in communication with the copper components and may be used forthe transport of current.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle control system 300and related hardware components in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. The electric vehicle control system 300may include an optional homopolar generator controller 310 and a vehiclecontroller 312. In some embodiments, a single controller may be used.The homopolar generator controller 310 may be configured to manageoperation of a homopolar generator 360, as well as to manage charging ofone or more batteries connected to the homopolar generator 360. Thevehicle controller 312 may be a default vehicle controller configured tomanage one or more aspects of the electric vehicle, such as charging ordischarging of the original battery set.

The electric vehicle control system 300 may include a first set ofbatteries 320 and a second set of batteries 330. The first set ofbatteries 320 and a second set of batteries 330 may be rechargeablebatteries. The first set of batteries 320 and the second set ofbatteries 330 may be original batteries in that the batteries are partof the original manufacturer equipment, or may be aftermarket batteries.In some embodiments, the first set of batteries 320 may be aftermarketbatteries or may be a part of the homopolar generator 360 or relatedsystem, and the second set of batteries 330 may be original equipment.In some embodiments, the rechargeable batteries may be lithium-ion(Li-ion) batteries. In other embodiments, the rechargeable batteries maybe lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) batteries, nickel metal hydride(NiMH) batteries, nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries, or the like. Therechargeable batteries may have an identical configuration, with thesame nominal voltage and the same capacity. In some embodiments, therechargeable batteries each may have a nominal voltage of 3.7V. In otherembodiments, the batteries each may have a nominal voltage of 1.8V.Still other nominal voltages of the batteries may be used. Although theillustrated embodiment is shown as including two rechargeable batteries,the homopolar generator controller 310 may include any number ofrechargeable batteries electrically connected to one another andconfigured to power the processor(s). In various embodiments, thehomopolar generator controller 310 may include three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, or more rechargeable batteries each having anidentical configuration, with the same nominal voltage and the samecapacity.

A first set of solid state relays 322 may be configured to dynamicallyadjust electrical connections between individual or groups of batteriesin the first set of batteries 320 from parallel connections to seriesconnections, or from series connections to parallel connections. As aresult, any individual battery or group of batteries within the firstset of batteries 320 may be charged or discharged, and charging time canbe reduced by using parallel connections. Likewise, a second set ofsolid state relays 332 may be configured to dynamically adjustelectrical connections between individual or groups of batteries in thesecond set of batteries 330 from parallel connections to seriesconnections, or from series connections to parallel connections.

One or more solid state relay 334 may be electrically coupled betweenthe plurality of rechargeable batteries, or the first set of batteries320 and the second set of batteries 330. Specifically, a third set ofsolid state relays 334 may be configured to dynamically adjustelectrical connections between the first set of batteries 320 and thesecond set of batteries 330 from parallel connections to seriesconnections, or from series connections to parallel connections. As aresult, each bank of batteries can be discharged or charged in parallelor series with respect to the other.

In particular, the one or more solid state relay(s) may be configured totransition between a first state in which the one or more solid staterelay(s) form a series connection between the batteries in either orboth the first set of batteries 320 and the second set of batteries 330,and a second state in which the one or more solid state relay(s) form aparallel connection between the batteries in either or both the firstset of batteries 320 and the second set of batteries 330. In thismanner, the one or more solid state relay(s) may facilitate powermanagement of the rechargeable batteries during discharging and chargingof the rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, the one or moresolid state relay(s) may include one or more metal-oxide-semiconductorfield-effect transistor(s) (MOSFET(s)). In some embodiments, the one ormore solid state relay(s) may include one or more enhancement-modeMOSFETs. Other types of solid state relay(s) may be used. The homopolargenerator controller 310 may include any number of solid state relay(s)configured to selectively form a series connection between therechargeable batteries and a parallel connection between therechargeable batteries.

The electric vehicle control system 300 may include a vehicle alternator340, a drive motor 350, and in some embodiments, other components suchas a starter. The drive motor 350 may be controlled by the vehiclecontroller 312 and may be used to at least partially charge the secondset of batteries 330. The first set of batteries 320 and/or the secondset of batteries 330 may be configured to provide power to one or morecomponents of the electric vehicle, such as a starter.

The vehicle alternator 340 may generate a current when the electricvehicle is in motion or is otherwise operational. The vehicle controller312 may control operation of the vehicle alternator 340. The vehiclealternator 340 may output current to a homopolar generator battery pack380. The homopolar generator battery pack 380 may store energy that isused to power the homopolar generator 360 during operation. Thehomopolar generator battery pack 380 may provide a steady and availablesource of power for the homopolar generator 360. The homopolar generatorbattery pack 380 may be in communication with a motor controller 370and/or the homopolar generator 360, which can optionally be used tomanage operation of the drive motor of the homopolar generator 360.

The homopolar generator controller 310 may be in communication with thevehicle controller 312 and may determine information such as vehicleload or usage, which in turn can be used to manage series or parallelconnections of the first set of batteries 320 and the second set ofbatteries 330, as well as determining when to charge certain batteriesand charging times. For example, under high load, the homopolargenerator controller 310 may cause the first set of batteries 320 andthe second set of batteries 330 to be in a series connection, therebyincreasing available power. Under light load, the homopolar generatorcontroller 310 may cause the first set of batteries 320 and the secondset of batteries 330 to be in a parallel connection, thereby increasingdriving range. The homopolar generator controller 310 may manageoperation of one or more of the respective solid state relays togenerate the respective series or parallel connections.

The homopolar generator controller 310 may be configured to cause theone or more solid state relays 334 to create a series connection betweenthe first set of batteries 320 and the second set of batteries 330during discharging, and to create a parallel connection between thefirst set of batteries 320 and the second set of batteries 330 duringcharging.

The homopolar generator controller 310 may be configured to match anoutput voltage of the homopolar generator 360 to a voltage level of atleast one of the rechargeable batteries in the first set of batteries320.

The homopolar generator 360 may include a power output component thatmay be coupled to the solid state relay 322 or directly to one or morebatteries of the first set of batteries 320 in the example of FIG. 1. Avoltage output of the homopolar generator 360 may substantially match avoltage level of a device connected to the power output component, suchas the batteries being charged.

The homopolar generator controller 310 may be connected to the factoryCAN system or the vehicle controller 320 to monitor parameters of theelectric vehicle. The vehicle information may be used to makedeterminations by the homopolar generator controller 310. The homopolargenerator controller 310 monitors the homopolar generator 360 input andoutput, motor load, and the state of charge on the first set ofbatteries 320 (e.g., 48 volts, etc.). The second set of batteries 330may be maintained by the alternator 340 mated to the vehicle drivetrain. The main battery bank, or the second set of batteries 330 and itsbatteries state of charge are also monitored.

The first set of batteries 320 may include, in one example, 48 batteriesgrouped in twelve sets of four batteries. Each set may have a switchplate that can switch the batteries from 32 volts down to 4 volts. Thecells may be charged at four volts. The switch plate then returns to itscenter position via an actuator. In the center position it may be in 32volt mode. When in this position it may be paralleled to a 32 voltpotential on the second set of batteries 330. This may be done every 32volts across the entire series of batteries in the second set ofbatteries 330. This results in 12 sets of 4 batteries.

The result may be a system that can selectively charge the first set ofbatteries 320. Once paralleled to the second set of batteries 330 thedifference in state of charge causes the current to flow from thecharged battery to the depleted battery raising its voltage from 3.2volts back to nominal voltage of 3.8 in one example. This can be done insets, individually or all at once. The result may be the second set ofbatteries 330 may be charged to 90% charge in under 10 minutes.Collectively the discharge may be between 1200 to 1500 amps at 32 volts.Each pack would experience 130 amps or so decreasing over the tenminutes to around 30 amps. Discharges can be selectively electricvehicle out depending on the number of battery packs placed in series 1through 12.

In FIG. 3, the homopolar generator 360 is supported by two sets of sixbatteries in the homopolar generator battery pack 380 that are notconnected to the first set of batteries 320, creating an ability toswitch between the 48 volt potentials. In some embodiments, the drivemotor 350 can be directly connected to the alternator 340 bypassing therectifier. This may be called overriding and may be a 5 Kw permanentmagnet Alternator/BLDC motor.

The homopolar generator 360 generator may be configured to produce 1400amps, thereby providing adequate amperage at 3.2 through 4 volts.Accordingly, 116 amps may be available for three sets of batteries.Recovery time may be dependent on state of charge. Once the needed stateof charge may be reached the homopolar generator controller 310 may turnoff or disengage the actuator allowing it to re-center to the series andconnected to the second set of batteries 330 at a 36 volt parallel, orit can connect the other parallel on the pack. The batteriesindividually may be in a series parallel arrangement.

A switch plate may be used to connect to each parallel of the batteriesindividually at 4 volts without breaking the series of 8 volts inseries. Batteries may be charged by charging halves of multiple packsfor faster charging. The controller could choose to add packs as theamperage reduces over time. This would have the effect of regulatinggenerator speed and amperage. Combining these capabilities allows formany charging and discharging algorithms.

In another embodiment, the amp hour on the second set of batteries 330may be adjusted in or near real time. A fast charge time on the firstset of batteries 320 can be used to dump a lot of energy in a shorttime, which increases efficiency when off the throttle in a decelerationmode and during braking.

When the electric vehicle is not in operation, the vehicle controller312 may top off and balance the battery cells. Also, the wall power canstep down and rectify voltage. This can be used to operate the homopolargenerator controller 310, as well as provide power for the operation ofthe generator to recover the bank and bulk charge the second set ofbatteries 330.

In some embodiments, the homopolar generator 360 may operate as a drivemotor if allowed to slow down below the batteries state of charge. Ifthe RPMs are held at the state of charge, it neither charges nor drives.The direction of rotation may remain constant with either function. Thiscould be used to assist in motion or in a standalone system to operate awater pump for example. Another note may be that the charge speed anddrive speed may be within 1000 RPMs. Designs could include designing thehomopolar generator 360 or motor on a common shaft, thereby providingthe conventional drive and the other provides regeneration capability.

In an illustrative configuration, the homopolar generator controller 310may include one or more processors (processor(s)), one or more memorydevices (also referred to herein as memory), one or more input/output(I/O) interface(s), one or more network interface(s), one or moreantenna€, one or more transceiver(s), and/or data storage. The homopolargenerator controller 310 may further include one or more bus(es) thatfunctionally couple various components of the homopolar generatorcontroller 310. These various components will be described in moredetail hereinafter.

The bus(es) may include at least one of a system bus, a memory bus, anaddress bus, or a message bus, and may permit the exchange ofinformation (e.g., data (including computer-executable code), signaling,etc.) between various components of the homopolar generator controller310. The bus(es) may include, without limitation, a memory bus or amemory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, andso forth. The bus(es) may be associated with any suitable busarchitecture including, without limitation, an Industry StandardArchitecture (ISA), a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), an Enhanced ISA(EISA), a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) architecture,an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) architecture, a Peripheral ComponentInterconnects (PCI) architecture, a PCI-Express architecture, a PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) architecture, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) architecture, and so forth.

The memory of the homopolar generator controller 310 may includevolatile memory (memory that maintains its state when supplied withpower) such as random access memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory(memory that maintains its state even when not supplied with power) suchas read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), andso forth. Persistent data storage, as that term is used herein, mayinclude non-volatile memory. In certain example embodiments, volatilememory may enable faster read/write access than non-volatile memory.However, in certain other example embodiments, certain types ofnon-volatile memory (e.g., FRAM) may enable faster read/write accessthan certain types of volatile memory.

In various implementations, the memory may include multiple differenttypes of memory such as various types of static random access memory(SRAM), various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), varioustypes of unalterable ROM, and/or writeable variants of ROM such aselectrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory, and so forth. The memory may include main memory as well asvarious forms of cache memory such as instruction cache(s), datacache(s), translation lookaside buffer(s) (TLBs), and so forth. Further,cache memory such as a data cache may be a multi-level cache organizedas a hierarchy of one or more cache levels (L1, L2, etc.).

The data storage may include removable storage and/or non-removablestorage including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical diskstorage, and/or tape storage. The data storage may provide non-volatilestorage of computer-executable instructions and other data. The memoryand the data storage, removable and/or non-removable, are examples ofcomputer-readable storage media (CRSM) as that term is used herein.

The data storage may store computer-executable code, instructions, orthe like that may be loadable into the memory and executable by theprocessor(s) to cause the processor(s) to perform or initiate variousoperations described herein. The data storage may additionally storedata that may be copied to the memory for use by the processor(s) duringthe execution of the computer-executable instructions. Moreover, outputdata generated as a result of execution of the computer-executableinstructions by the processor(s) may be stored initially in the memory,and may ultimately be copied to data storage for non-volatile storage.

More specifically, the data storage may store one or more operatingsystems (O/S); one or more database management systems (DBMS); and oneor more program module(s), applications, engines, computer-executablecode, scripts, or the like such as, for example, one or morecommunication module(s) and/or one or more power management module(s).Some or all of these module(s) may be or include sub-module(s). Any ofthe components depicted as being stored in data storage may include anycombination of software, firmware, and/or hardware. The software and/orfirmware may include computer-executable code, instructions, or the likethat may be loaded into the memory for execution by one or more of theprocessor(s). Any of the components depicted as being stored in datastorage may support the functionality described in reference to thecorresponding components named in this disclosure.

The data storage may further store various types of data utilized by thecomponents of the homopolar generator controller 310. Any data stored inthe data storage may be loaded into the memory for use by theprocessor(s) in executing computer-executable code. In addition, anydata depicted as being stored in the data storage may potentially bestored in one or more datastore(s) and may be accessed via the DBMS andloaded in the memory for use by the processor(s) in executingcomputer-executable code. The datastore(s) may include, but are notlimited to, databases (e.g., relational, object-oriented, etc.), filesystems, flat files, distributed datastores in which data is stored onmore than one node of a computer network, peer-to-peer networkdatastores, or the like.

The processor(s) may be configured to access the memory and executecomputer-executable instructions loaded therein. For example, theprocessor(s) may be configured to execute computer-executableinstructions of the various program module(s), applications, engines, orthe like of the homopolar generator controller 310 to cause orfacilitate various operations to be performed in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure. The processor(s) may include anysuitable processing unit capable of accepting data as input, processingthe input data in accordance with stored computer-executableinstructions, and generating output data. The processor(s) may includeany type of suitable processing unit including, but not limited to, acentral processing unit, a microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction SetComputer (RISC) microprocessor, a Complex Instruction Set Computer(CISC) microprocessor, a microcontroller, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), aSystem-on-a-Chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and so forth.Further, the processor(s) may have any suitable microarchitecture designthat includes any number of constituent components such as, for example,registers, multiplexers, arithmetic logic units, cache controllers forcontrolling read/write operations to cache memory, branch predictors, orthe like. The microarchitecture design of the processor(s) may becapable of supporting any of a variety of instruction sets.

The homopolar generator controller 310 may include computer-executableinstructions, code, or the like that responsive to execution by one ormore of the processor(s) may perform functions including, but notlimited to, determining a voltage of a rechargeable battery of thehomopolar generator controller 310, causing one or more solid staterelays of the homopolar generator controller 310 to form a seriesconnection or a parallel connection between a first rechargeable batteryand a second rechargeable battery, causing a first rechargeable batteryand a second rechargeable battery of the homopolar generator controller310 to power the electric vehicle, determining that the homopolargenerator controller 310 is connected to an external power source,causing a first rechargeable battery and a second rechargeable batteryof the homopolar generator controller 310 to be charged by an externalpower source, and the like.

In addition, various program module(s), script(s), plug-in(s),Application Programming Interface(s) (API(s)), or any other suitablecomputer-executable code hosted locally on the homopolar generatorcontroller 310, and/or hosted on other computing device(s) accessiblevia one or more networks, may be provided to support the functionalityprovided by the program module(s), applications, or computer-executablecode depicted in FIG. 3 and/or additional or alternate functionality.Further, functionality may be modularized differently such thatprocessing described as being supported collectively by the collectionof program module(s) depicted in FIG. 3 may be performed by a fewer orgreater number of module(s), or functionality described as beingsupported by any particular module may be supported, at least in part,by another module. In addition, program module(s) that support thefunctionality described herein may form part of one or more applicationsexecutable across any number of systems or devices in accordance withany suitable computing model such as, for example, a client-servermodel, a peer-to-peer model, and so forth. In addition, any of thefunctionality described as being supported by any of the programmodule(s) depicted in FIG. 3 may be implemented, at least partially, inhardware and/or firmware.

It should further be appreciated that the homopolar generator controller310 may include alternate and/or additional hardware, software, orfirmware components beyond those described or depicted without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. More particularly, it should beappreciated that software, firmware, or hardware components depicted asforming part of the homopolar generator controller 310 are merelyillustrative and that some components may not be present or additionalcomponents may be provided in various embodiments. It should further beappreciated that each of the above-mentioned module(s) may, in variousembodiments, represent a logical partitioning of supportedfunctionality. This logical partitioning is depicted for ease ofexplanation of the functionality and may not be representative of thestructure of software, hardware, and/or firmware for implementing thefunctionality. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that functionalitydescribed as being provided by a particular module may, in variousembodiments, be provided at least in part by one or more othermodule(s). Further, one or more depicted module(s) may not be present incertain embodiments, while in other embodiments, additional module(s)not depicted may be present and may support at least a portion of thedescribed functionality and/or additional functionality. Moreover, whilecertain module(s) may be depicted and described as sub-module(s) ofanother module, in certain embodiments, such module(s) may be providedas independent module(s) or as sub-module(s) of other module(s).

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a homopolar generator 400 in anexploded view in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. The homopolar generator 400 may include a drive motor, ashaft 410, and one or more copper discs 420 mounted on the shaft 410.The drive motor may be configured to impart motion to the shaft 410 torotate the copper discs 420. The drive motor may be powered by one ormore batteries, such as a battery pack that is charged by an alternatoror other component of the vehicle. The shaft 410 may be powered orrotated by an axle, shaft, drive motor, or other mechanical component ofthe electric vehicle in some embodiments. The homopolar generator 400may include a set of magnets 430 that may be mounted in a fixed positionabout either side of the copper disc 420. The homopolar generator 400may be positioned in a housing and may be removable from an electricvehicle and may be portable.

The homopolar generator 400 may include a number of frame elements 440.The frame elements 440 may form a housing 450 of the homopolar generator400. The shaft 410 may extend through the frame elements 440. Forexample, the shaft 410 may extend through a center of one or more of theframe elements 440.

The copper discs 420 may be positioned adjacent to one or more copperplates 460 that may be mounted on one or more sides of the frameelements 440. For example, a first copper plate 462 may be mounted to afirst side of a first frame element 442. A second copper plate 464 maybe mounted to a second side of the first frame element 442. A copperlinkage component 470 may be in contact with the first copper plate 462and the second copper plate 464, and may be disposed about a third sideof the first frame element 442 that is transverse to the first side andthe second side. The copper discs 420 and/or copper plates 460 may beformed of a copper material, carbon material, a combination thereof, oranother material.

The magnets 430 may be positioned in the frame elements 440 (e.g., in arecessed portion of the frame elements, etc.) and may be positionedabout or adjacent to the copper discs 420. The magnets 430 may be in afixed position with respect to the shaft 410, or the copper discs 420may be in a fixed position.

The homopolar generator 400 may include a first set of conductivebrushes 470 mounted to the first copper plate 462. The first set ofconductive brushes 470 may be in electrical communication with a firstcopper disc 422 of the copper discs 420. A second set of conductivebrushes 472 may be mounted to the second copper plate 464. The secondset of conductive brushes 472 may be in electrical communication with asecond copper disc 424 of the copper discs 420.

One or more illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have beendescribed above. The above-described embodiments are merely illustrativeof the scope of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting inany way. Accordingly, variations, modifications, and equivalents ofembodiments disclosed herein are also within the scope of thisdisclosure. The above-described embodiments and additional and/oralternative embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detailhereinafter through reference to the accompanying drawings.

Illustrative Processes and Use Cases

FIG. 5 is an example process flow 500 for intelligent circuit controlfor solar panel systems having multiple rechargeable batteries inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Althoughcertain operations are illustrated as occurring separately in FIG. 5,some or all of the operations may occur concurrently or partiallyconcurrently. In some embodiments, the operations of the process flow500 may be executed by one or more processor(s), such as processor(s) ofthe homopolar generator controller 310.

At block 510 of the process flow 500, it may be determined that a levelof charge of a first set of batteries is less than a threshold. Forexample, computer-executable instructions of a homopolar generatorcontroller or other processor may be executed to determine a chargelevel of individual batteries in a first set of batteries, or anaggregate or average charge level of the first set of batteries. Thefirst set of batteries may be an aftermarket set of batteries, anoriginal set of batteries, of a combination thereof. The threshold maybe specific to the first set of batteries as an absolute threshold(e.g., 20% average charge level, etc.), or may be dependent upon chargelevels of other batteries in communication with the first set ofbatteries, such as a second set of batteries. The threshold may changeas a function of, or in relation to, a vehicle load, an expected drivingdistance, or other factors.

At block 520 of the process flow 500, a homopolar generator may beinitiated. For example, computer-executable instructions of a homopolargenerator controller or other processor may be executed to power on ahomopolar generator. The homopolar generator may be powered by adedicated power supply, such as a battery pack or mechanical powerprovided by a vehicle.

At block 530 of the process flow 500, the first set of batteries may becaused to be in a parallel connection with respect to the homopolargenerator using one or more solid state relays. For example,computer-executable instructions of a homopolar generator controller orother processor may be executed to adjust one or more solid state relaysto create a parallel connection between batteries in the first set ofbatteries and the homopolar generator, such that the batteries arecharged in parallel.

At block 540 of the process flow 500, the first set of batteries may becharged using the homopolar generator. Power generated by the homopolargenerator may be output to individual batteries of the first set ofbatteries. The current provided from the homopolar generator may flowthrough one or more relays, mosfets, or other electrical components tothe batteries.

At block 550 of the process flow 500, it may be determined thatsupplemental power is needed for a vehicle. For example,computer-executable instructions of a homopolar generator controller orother processor may be executed to communicate with a vehicle controller(in embodiments where the homopolar generator controller and vehiclecontroller are separate and not integrated) to determine a currentvehicle load. For example, strain on the electric motors, auxiliaryequipment usage, speed, and other factors may be used to determine avehicle load. The vehicle load may be used to determine an expectedamount of power needed to support the load. Based at least in part onthe expected amount of power needed and a current level of battery poweravailable, the homopolar generator controller may determine thatsupplemental power is needed, or that a charge level of the set ofbatteries is to be increased.

At optional block 560 of the process flow 500, a series connection maybe created between the first set of batteries and a second set ofbatteries to provide supplemental power for the vehicle. For example,computer-executable instructions of a homopolar generator controller orother processor may be executed to adjust one or more solid state relaysto create a series connection between the first set of batteries and asecond set of batteries (which may be original batteries in the vehicle)and the homopolar generator, such that the batteries are discharged inseries and power is increased.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate example use cases of a removable homopolargenerator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.In FIG. 6, an example use case 600 is illustrated with a homopolargenerator 610 that is positioned in a modular housing that is removablefrom an electric vehicle 630. The homopolar generator 610 may be removedfrom the electric vehicle 630 and can be taken indoors 620, such as intoa house, to provide energy or power to devices in the house. Thehomopolar generator 610 may be powered, in one example, by one or moresolar panels 640. In some embodiments, the homopolar generator 610 mayinclude its own battery pack or power supply.

In FIG. 7, an example use case 700 of a removable homopolar generator720 is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. The homopolar generator 720 may be removed from an electricvehicle and taken to a camping environment 710, where it can be used topower devices or recharge batteries in a short amount of time.

In another example use case 800 illustrated in FIG. 8, a homopolargenerator 820 may include a homopolar generator controller 810 and maybe electrically coupled to one or more solar panels 830. One or moresolid state relays 840 may be positioned in between the solar panels 830and the homopolar generator 820. The homopolar generator controller 810may be used to connect certain solar panels to the homopolar generator820, so as to selectively draw power from solar panels using the solidstate relay 830.

The homopolar generator controller 810 may therefore be configured tomanage power provided by the rechargeable batteries to the vehicle byselectively changing a connection between the rechargeable batteriesbased at least in part on a particular application to be run on thehomopolar generator controller 310.

Embodiments of the disclosure may therefore increase driving distancesfor electric vehicles by providing additional battery capacity, decreasebattery charging times by charging batteries in parallel, increaseavailable power, and provide auxiliary power to vehicle components orusers.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example use case 900 of intelligentcircuit control for solar panel systems in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 9, a solar panelsystem may be used to charge or recharge one or more batteries. Usingthe technology discussed in this application, the solar panel systemefficiency may be increased with respect to energy generated by thesolar panel system that is captured by one or more batteries. This isbecause a voltage potential of the one or more batteries, or the voltagepotential of a battery system, may be modified to be equal to or lessthan a voltage output by the solar panel system. This is in contrast tosystems where a battery system voltage may be unchangeable, and althoughthe solar panel system is producing electrical output, the electricaloutput may not be captured because the battery system voltage potentialis greater than the output, making electrical flow difficult orimpossible. As a result, efficiency may be reduced. In contrast, thesystems described herein can adjust a voltage potential of the batterysystem so as to be equal to or less than the electrical output, therebyincreasing the electrical output captured from the solar panel system.Voltage potential may be adjusted by connecting batteries in variousseries or parallel connections, and/or by connecting or disconnectingcertain batteries.

In FIG. 9, a solar panel system 910 may include a first solar panel 912and a second solar panel 914. The solar panels may include photovoltaiccells and may be configured to output electrical current. The solarpanel system 910 may be coupled to a controller 920 configured tocontrol operation of the solar panel system 910 and/or detect an outputof the solar panel system 910. The controller 920 may be coupled to abattery system 930. In some embodiments, the battery system 930 may be apart of the solar panel system 910.

The battery system 930 may include a plurality of rechargeable batteriesand one or more optional solid state relays or mosfets configured toconnect respective batteries of the plurality of rechargeable batteriesin either a series connection or a parallel connection. For example, thebattery system 930 may include a first battery 932, a second battery934, a third battery 936, a fourth battery 940, and/or additional orfewer batteries.

One or more optional solid state relays or other transistors may beconfigured to create series or parallel connections between respectivebatteries. For example, a first solid state relay 940 may be configuredto create a series or parallel connection between the first battery 932and the second battery 934, a second solid state relay 942 may beconfigured to create a series or parallel connection between the secondbattery 934 and the third battery 936, a third solid state relay 944 maybe configured to create a series or parallel connection between thethird battery 936 and the fourth battery 938, and so forth. Otherconfigurations may be included, such as a solid state relay betweenthree or more batteries, and the like.

The controller 920 may be configured to substantially match an outputvoltage of the solar panel system 910, such as the output voltage of thefirst solar panel 912 and the second solar panel 914, to a voltagepotential of the plurality of rechargeable batteries, or the batterysystem 930. For example, the controller 920 may be configured to executeoperations such as determining a first electrical output of the firstsolar panel, and determining a second electrical output of the secondsolar panel. The controller 920 may determine a total output voltageusing the first electrical output and the second electrical output, andcause a connection between the plurality of rechargeable batteries to bechanged from a series connection to a parallel connection based at leastin part on the total output voltage, such that a voltage potential ofthe plurality of rechargeable batteries or battery system 930 is equalto or less than the total output voltage. In some embodiments, the firstelectrical output and the second electrical output may be determined asoutput currents.

The controller 920 may continuously or periodically monitor theelectrical output of the solar panel system 910. For example, thecontroller 920 may be configured to determine that the total outputvoltage of the solar panel system 910 has decreased from a first valueto a second value (e.g., because of rain or shadows, etc.) and maytherefore cause the voltage potential of the plurality of rechargeablebatteries or battery system 930 to be modified to a value equal to orless than the second value. The modification may be the result ofchanges implemented by the one or more solid state relays or mosfets.

If the controller 920 determines that the first electrical output isgreater than the second electrical output, the controller may cause thesecond solar panel 914 to be disconnected from the plurality ofrechargeable batteries or battery 930, so that the first solar panel 912is directly feeding power to one or more of the batteries at arelatively higher voltage and/or current.

In some embodiments, the system may include additional sensors. Forexample, the controller 920 may be optionally coupled to one or morehumidity sensors 950, one or more temperature sensors 960, and/or moreambient light sensors 970. The sensor outputs may be used by thecontroller 920 to change one or more configurations of the batterysystem 930 and/or solar panel system 910. For example, the controller920 may determine a first ambient light level using a first ambientlight sensor adjacent to or physically near the first solar panel 912,and may determine a second ambient light level using a second ambientlight sensor adjacent to or physically near the second solar panel 914.The controller 920 may determine that the second ambient light level isgreater than the first ambient light level, and may cause the firstsolar panel 912 to be disconnected from the plurality of rechargeablebatteries or battery system 930.

The controller 920 may be configured to determine a temperature of thefirst solar panel 912, for example by using a temperature sensor 960. Ifthe controller 920 determines that the temperature meets or exceeds acooling threshold, the controller 920 may cause a cooling system to coolthe first solar panel 912. The cooling system may be a fluid-based heatrejection system, such as a water cooling system. The cooling thresholdmay be a temperature at or above which electrical output of the solarpanel may be negatively impacted, such as about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the controller 920 determines that the temperature is equal to orless than a heating threshold, the controller 920 may cause a heatingsystem to heat the first solar panel. The heating system may be afluid-based heating system, such as a liquid heating system, or mayinclude one or more heating elements. The heating threshold may be atemperature at or below which electrical output of the solar panel maybe negatively impacted, such as about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine anambient temperature, ambient humidity level, and/or a moisture level orwetness of the first solar panel 912 or the solar panel system 910, andmay cause one or more modifications to connections between the pluralityof rechargeable batteries or battery system 930 based at least in parton the ambient temperature, the ambient humidity level, and/or themoisture level.

In some embodiments, the controller 920 may be configured to determineinputs of individual battery voltages of the set of batteries, states ofcharge of the set of batteries, battery temperatures, battery voltages,current output from the power source, ambient temperature, ambienthumidity, and/or a combination thereof. The controller 920 may beconfigured to change the configuration between the respective batteriesbased at least in part on the inputs. Changes in the configuration ofthe set of batteries may cause a change in a total voltage potential ofthe set of batteries 930. In some instances, the controller 920 may beconfigured to change the configuration of the set of batteries to acombined configuration including both series and parallel connections.The controller 920 may be configured to dynamically match the voltagepotential of the battery system to the output voltage or output currentof the solar panel system 910. Temperature and humidity may be used tochange charging voltages and/or current flow. For example, higherambient temperatures or battery system temperatures may result inreduced charging voltages and/or current flow, whereas lower ambienttemperatures and/or battery system temperatures may result in increasedcharging voltages and/or current flow. In addition, humidity values maybe used to determine voltages or current flow. For example, higherhumidity may result in increased charging voltages and/or current flowbecause materials may be more conductive, or vice versa.

In the example process flow of FIG. 9, at block 980, the controller 920may determine that the first solar panel 912 has a first voltage outputthat is less than a voltage potential of the battery system 930. Atblock 982, the controller may determine that the first battery 932 isconnected to the second battery 934 in a series connection, for exampleby determining a status of the first solid state relay 940. At block984, the controller 920 may cause the first battery 932 to be connectedto the second battery 934 in a parallel connection, for example, bychanging a status of the first solid state relay 940. At block 986, thecontroller 920 may determine that the voltage potential is less than thefirst voltage output. The controller 920 may therefore dynamically matchthe voltage potential of the battery system 930 to the first voltageoutput of the solar panel system 910.

In some embodiments, a charging system may include a plurality of solarpanels, a set of batteries that is charged by the plurality of solarpanels, one or more switches or mosfets configured to create series orparallel connections between individual batteries of the set ofbatteries, and a controller. The controller may be configured todetermine that a first solar panel is active, determine a voltage outputof the first solar panel, determine that a voltage potential of the setof batteries is greater than the voltage output, and cause the voltagepotential to be reduced to a value equal to or less than the voltageoutput.

The operations described and depicted in the illustrative methods,process flows, and use cases of FIGS. 1-9 may be carried out orperformed in any suitable order, such as the depicted orders, as desiredin various example embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, incertain example embodiments, at least a portion of the operations may becarried out in parallel. Furthermore, in certain example embodiments,less, more, or different operations than those depicted in FIGS. 1-9 maybe performed.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that numerous othermodifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of thedisclosure. For example, any of the functionality and/or processingcapabilities described with respect to a particular device or componentmay be performed by any other device or component. Further, whilevarious illustrative implementations and architectures have beendescribed in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that numerous othermodifications to the illustrative implementations and architecturesdescribed herein are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Certain aspects of the disclosure are described above with reference toblock and flow diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and/orcomputer program products according to example embodiments. It will beunderstood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flowdiagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and the flowdiagrams, respectively, may be implemented by execution ofcomputer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of theblock diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to beperformed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to beperformed at all, according to some embodiments. Further, additionalcomponents and/or operations beyond those depicted in blocks of theblock and/or flow diagrams may be present in certain embodiments.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams supportcombinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of elements or steps for performing the specifiedfunctions, and program instruction means for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that each block of the blockdiagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and flow diagrams, may be implemented by special-purpose,hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions,elements or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

Program module(s), applications, or the like disclosed herein mayinclude one or more software components including, for example, softwareobjects, methods, data structures, or the like. Each such softwarecomponent may include computer-executable instructions that, responsiveto execution, cause at least a portion of the functionality describedherein (e.g., one or more operations of the illustrative methodsdescribed herein) to be performed.

A software component may be coded in any of a variety of programminglanguages. An illustrative programming language may be a lower-levelprogramming language such as an assembly language associated with aparticular hardware architecture and/or operating system platform. Asoftware component comprising assembly language instructions may requireconversion into executable machine code by an assembler prior toexecution by the hardware architecture and/or platform.

Another example programming language may be a higher-level programminglanguage that may be portable across multiple architectures. A softwarecomponent comprising higher-level programming language instructions mayrequire conversion to an intermediate representation by an interpreteror a compiler prior to execution.

Other examples of programming languages include, but are not limited to,a macro language, a shell or command language, a job control language, ascript language, a database query or search language, or a reportwriting language. In one or more example embodiments, a softwarecomponent comprising instructions in one of the foregoing examples ofprogramming languages may be executed directly by an operating system orother software component without having to be first transformed intoanother form.

A software component may be stored as a file or other data storageconstruct. Software components of a similar type or functionally relatedmay be stored together such as, for example, in a particular directory,folder, or library. Software components may be static (e.g.,pre-established or fixed) or dynamic (e.g., created or modified at thetime of execution).

Software components may invoke or be invoked by other softwarecomponents through any of a wide variety of mechanisms. Invoked orinvoking software components may comprise other custom-developedapplication software, operating system functionality (e.g., devicedrivers, data storage (e.g., file management) routines, other commonroutines and services, etc.), or third-party software components (e.g.,middleware, encryption, or other security software, database managementsoftware, file transfer or other network communication software,mathematical or statistical software, image processing software, andformat translation software).

Software components associated with a particular solution or system mayreside and be executed on a single platform or may be distributed acrossmultiple platforms. The multiple platforms may be associated with morethan one hardware vendor, underlying chip technology, or operatingsystem. Furthermore, software components associated with a particularsolution or system may be initially written in one or more programminglanguages, but may invoke software components written in anotherprogramming language.

Computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto aspecial-purpose computer or other particular machine, a processor, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particularmachine, such that execution of the instructions on the computer,processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus causes one ormore functions or operations specified in the flow diagrams to beperformed. These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage medium (CRSM) that upon execution may direct acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function ina particular manner, such that the instructions stored in thecomputer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufactureincluding instruction means that implement one or more functions oroperations specified in the flow diagrams. The computer programinstructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements orsteps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus toproduce a computer-implemented process.

Additional types of CRSM that may be present in any of the devicesdescribed herein may include, but are not limited to, programmablerandom access memory (PRAM), SRAM, DRAM, RAM, ROM, electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memorytechnology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatiledisc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the information and which can beaccessed. Combinations of any of the above are also included within thescope of CRSM. Alternatively, computer-readable communication media(CRCM) may include computer-readable instructions, program module(s), orother data transmitted within a data signal, such as a carrier wave, orother transmission. However, as used herein, CRSM does not include CRCM.

Although embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditionallanguage, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,”unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments could include, while other embodiments do not include,certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elements,and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or thatone or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with orwithout user input or prompting, whether these features, elements,and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particularembodiment. The term “based at least in part on” and “based on” aresynonymous terms which may be used interchangeably herein.

1. (canceled)
 2. A system comprising: a first rechargeable battery; asecond rechargeable battery, wherein the first rechargeable battery andthe second rechargeable battery are configured to be connected in aseries connection and a parallel connection; a first solar panel coupledto the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery; asecond solar panel coupled to the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery; and a controller configured to: determine acombined voltage potential of the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery at a first timestamp; determine a sum of afirst electrical output voltage of the first solar panel and a secondelectrical output voltage of the second solar panel at the firsttimestamp; determine that the combined voltage potential is greater thanthe sum at the first timestamp; and configure a connection between thefirst rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery based atleast in part on the first electrical output voltage and the secondelectrical output voltage, such that the combined voltage potential ofthe first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery isequal to or less than at least one of the first electrical outputvoltage and the second electrical output voltage.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that thefirst electrical output voltage of the first solar panel is greater thanthe second electrical output voltage of the second solar panel; andcause the second solar panel to be disconnected from the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery.
 4. The systemof claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to configure theconnection by: causing the connection between the first rechargeablebattery and the second rechargeable battery to be changed from a seriesconnection to a parallel connection based at least in part on the firstelectrical output voltage, such that the combined voltage potential ofthe first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery isequal to or less than the first electrical output voltage.
 5. The systemof claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine acombined voltage potential of the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery at a second timestamp; determine a sum of afirst electrical output voltage of the first solar panel and a secondelectrical output voltage of the second solar panel at the secondtimestamp; determine that the combined voltage potential is greater thanthe sum at the second timestamp; determine that the second electricaloutput voltage is greater than the first electrical output voltage atthe second timestamp; and cause the first solar panel to be disconnectedfrom the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configuredto: causing the connection between the first rechargeable battery andthe second rechargeable battery to be changed from a series connectionto a parallel connection based at least in part on the second electricaloutput voltage, such that the combined voltage potential of the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery is equal to orless than the second electrical output voltage.
 7. The system of claim2, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine, at asecond timestamp, that the combined voltage potential of the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery is greater thanthe first electrical output; cause the second solar panel to bereconnected to the first rechargeable battery and the secondrechargeable battery; and cause the connection between the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery to be changedfrom the parallel connection to the series connection.
 8. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: periodicallydetermine updated values of the first electrical output of the firstsolar panel and the second electrical output of the second solar panel.9. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configuredto: cause the second solar panel to be reconnected to the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery after a timeinterval has elapsed.
 10. The system of claim 2, wherein the controlleris further configured to: determine at least one of an ambienttemperature or an ambient humidity level; wherein the connection betweenthe first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery iscaused to be changed from the series connection to the parallelconnection based at least in part on the at least one of the ambienttemperature or the ambient humidity level.
 11. The system of claim 2,wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that the sumhas decreased from a first value to a second value; and cause thevoltage potential of the first rechargeable battery and the secondrechargeable battery to be modified to a value equal to or less than thesecond value.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller isfurther configured to: determine a first ambient light level using afirst ambient light sensor; determine a second ambient light level usinga second ambient light sensor; determine that the second ambient lightlevel is greater than the first ambient light level; cause the secondsolar panel to be reconnected to the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery; and cause the first solar panel to bedisconnected from the first rechargeable battery and the secondrechargeable battery.
 13. A method comprising: determining, by acontroller, a combined voltage potential of a first rechargeable batteryand a second rechargeable battery at a first timestamp; determining asum of a first electrical output voltage of a first solar panel and asecond electrical output voltage of a second solar panel at the firsttimestamp; determining that the combined voltage potential is greaterthan the sum at the first timestamp; and configuring a connectionbetween the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery based at least in part on the first electrical output voltageand the second electrical output voltage, such that the combined voltagepotential of the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery is equal to or less than at least one of the first electricaloutput voltage and the second electrical output voltage.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: determining that the first electricaloutput voltage of the first solar panel is greater than the secondelectrical output voltage of the second solar panel; and causing thesecond solar panel to be disconnected from the first rechargeablebattery and the second rechargeable battery.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein configuring the connection comprises: causing the connectionbetween the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery to be changed from a series connection to a parallel connectionbased at least in part on the first electrical output voltage, such thatthe combined voltage potential of the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery is equal to or less than the firstelectrical output voltage.
 16. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: determining a combined voltage potential of the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery at a secondtimestamp; determining a sum of a first electrical output voltage of thefirst solar panel and a second electrical output voltage of the secondsolar panel at the second timestamp; determining that the combinedvoltage potential is greater than the sum at the second timestamp;determining that the second electrical output voltage is greater thanthe first electrical output voltage at the second timestamp; and causingthe first solar panel to be disconnected from the first rechargeablebattery and the second rechargeable battery.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising: causing the connection between the firstrechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery to be changedfrom a series connection to a parallel connection based at least in parton the second electrical output voltage, such that the combined voltagepotential of the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery is equal to or less than the second electrical output voltage.18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, at a secondtimestamp, that the combined voltage potential of the first rechargeablebattery and the second rechargeable battery is greater than the firstelectrical output; causing the second solar panel to be reconnected tothe first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery; andcausing the connection between the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery to be changed from the parallel connectionto the series connection.
 19. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: determining a first ambient light level using a firstambient light sensor; determining a second ambient light level using asecond ambient light sensor; determining that the second ambient lightlevel is greater than the first ambient light level; causing the secondsolar panel to be reconnected to the first rechargeable battery and thesecond rechargeable battery; and causing the first solar panel to bedisconnected from the first rechargeable battery and the secondrechargeable battery.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:determining that the sum has decreased from a first value to a secondvalue; and causing the voltage potential of the first rechargeablebattery and the second rechargeable battery to be modified to a valueequal to or less than the second value.
 21. A system to charge batteriesusing solar panels, the system comprising: a plurality of rechargeablebatteries; a first solar panel configured to charge the plurality ofrechargeable batteries; a second solar panel configured to charge theplurality of rechargeable batteries; and a controller configured to:determine a combined voltage potential of the first rechargeable batteryand the second rechargeable battery at a first timestamp; determine asum of a first electrical output voltage of the first solar panel and asecond electrical output voltage of the second solar panel at the firsttimestamp; determine that the first electrical output voltage of thefirst solar panel is greater than the second electrical output voltageof the second solar panel; cause the second solar panel to bedisconnected from the first rechargeable battery and the secondrechargeable battery determine that the combined voltage potential isgreater than the sum at the first timestamp; and configure a connectionbetween the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery based at least in part on the first electrical output voltageand the second electrical output voltage, such that the combined voltagepotential of the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeablebattery is equal to or less than at least one of the first electricaloutput voltage and the second electrical output voltage.